Fimi wants parity for private miners in excavating beach sand minerals

Takes exception to Centre's stand to allow only PSUs in this area, says private sector has been contributing Rs 5,000 crore a year to current revenue since this area was opened to it

Taking exception to the Government of India's stand to allow only public sector entities to mine beach sand minerals, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (Fimi) has pitched for a level playing field for private sector miners.

As per a notification by the Union mines ministry dated February 20 2019, only government-owned companies are permitted to mine beach sand minerals (BSM). Fimi feels the government order undermines the role of private sector in BSM mining.

“Private sector has been playing active role in mining BSM and contributing Rs 5,000 crore a year to the current revenue since this sector was opened